Giddens and structuation theory

Question 1

What does Giddens argue?

Answer 1

Duality of structure
Structure and action cannot exist without each other
Through our actions we reproduce structures
Structures are what make our actions possible in the first place
Structuation

Question 2

What is the middle way between structure and action?

Answer 2

While people operate within the constraints of the social structure
They can operate, act, make choices and sometimes change the social structure
Has to be supported by people and constantly recreated
Recognises both the important of constrains of social strucutre and of choice

Question 3

What are rules?

Answer 3

Normative elements of social life
Shared understandings
Not fixed but are continually interpreted and reinterpreted by individuals in the course of their everyday activities

Question 4

What are resources?

Answer 4

Various types of capital individuals draw upon to achieve their goals
Authoritative resources and allocative resources
Crucial in shaping social interactions

Question 5

What is the reflexive agent?

Answer 5

Active participants in the construction of their social worlds
Capacity of individuals to reflect upon their actions, the social structures they operate within, broader social context which they are embedded
Allows individuals to navigate the complexities of social life, making conscious choices about how to act while considering the potential consequence of their actions
By reflecting individuals can make informed decisions about how they engage with these structures
Can reproduce existing social order or challenge and transform it.

Question 6

What is a positive of Giddens theory?

Answer 6

Similar to Weber
Good attempt to bridge the gap between structure and action theories

Question 7

How does Archer criticise Giddens?

Answer 7

Underestimates capacity of structures to resist change through action

Question 8

How does Craib criticise Giddens?

Answer 8

Doesn’t explain what actually happens in society, just explains the things which we may find when we study society
Doesnt unite structure and action
Reduces idea of structure to a few rules, norms and laws, fails to be applied to large scale structures like the economy